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If you’re planning your wedding and are wanting it to be a low-key affair, but still chock-full of magic to make it a beautiful and memorable day, consider one of the many stunning small wedding venues in Scotland.
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Scotland is one of the most scenic, mysterious, and stunning countries in the world, and offers so many adventurous delights for both city lovers or those who prefer wandering the more rural treats of the world.
So, if you’ve not yet considered Scotland as the backdrop to your big day, now is the time! Let’s look at just some of the most delicious small wedding venues in Scotland to say “I do” in.
Why Scotland?
Scotland is like no other when it comes to sublime scenery, Celtic culture, and epic experiences. Regardless of your guestlist size or budget, there is somewhere waiting for you and your big day.
Because Scotland ticks every box for those who love to roam this world of ours, you can opt for a chic artisan location in one of the country’s fabulous cities, such as Edinburgh, or for those who enjoy a more rural scene, something a little off the beaten track.
Read More: Eloping in Scotland in 2023: Everything You Need To Know
There are also no restrictions for same-sex couples who wish to tie the knot, unlike other countries in the world.
8 Small Venues in Scotland To Tie The Knot In
So, grab a cuppa and a notebook and pen, because we’ve selected the top 8 stunning small venues in Scotland for an intimate wedding.
Borthwick Castle (Midlothian, Lothian & Borders)
- Maximum capacity: 85
If a castle wedding is your absolute dream then Borthwick Castle is a must.
Those looking for a fairytale wedding venue will be more than satisfied with this rural 16th century villa, which looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel!
Read More: 13 Best Locations for Your Castle Wedding in Scotland
With romantic bedchambers, a stately reception room to hold the wedding day feast of your dreams, and even a spiral staircase, you will quite literally be the belle of the ball here.
The happy couple, plus a handful of close guests, can stay at the castle, pre-and-post-wedding, as it holds twelve bedrooms (all with en suite bathrooms), as well as an adjacent cottage, which holds an additional four guests.
Also, if taking some epic rural photos is high on your list of nuptial priorities, the lush, expansive land surrounding the castle will provide ample opportunity for some stunning photographs.
Secret Herb Garden Edinburgh
- Maximum Capacity: 80
Located in the south of Edinburgh, the Secret Herb Garden is an incredibly cozy wedding venue for 8 guests or 80. I had the pleasure of photographing Ruth and Jan’s micro-wedding here. While it rained outside, the lovely warm lights and ceremony with fewer than 10 guests made for such a sweet wedding.
Dunskey Estate (Stranraer)
- Maximum capacity: 80
If acres of woodland and a stately manor hold much appeal – but you still want your wedding to be on the smaller scale – consider Dunskey Estate, which allows a total of 80 guests for a wedding day ceremony.
This Edwardian treat comes with every fairytale item you can imagine, including a nearby loch and even a maze! You will also get to book this exquisite venue for three days to really immerse yourself in the magic of the location.
This venue even comes with an in-house florist and chef, to make the wedding planning part of your adventure easier.
Also, guests need not worry if they’re coming from out of town, as the manor houses up to 50 guests.
House For An Art Lover (Glasgow)
- Maximum capacity: 140
Those looking for a city venue will delight at this stunning wedding location, which, while situated in the fabulous city of Glasgow, looks like it could be slap-bang in the middle of the Highlands.
Situated within the jaw-dropping landscape of Bellahouston Park, House For An Art Lover is a stylish mix of classic and contemporary decor, and offers plenty of room options for the happy couple to choose from.
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Other perks of this wedding venue include in-house extras such as fairy lights, a wedding cake stand and knife, and fresh flower centrepieces.
The Boathouse at Dougarie (Machrie, Isle of Arran)
- Maximum capacity: 80
Those wanting to go seriously rural (as well as indulging in a dreamy sea-front location) will absolutely love the Boathouse at Dougarie, which is situated on the stunning Isle of Arran.
The best part? You don’t even have to marry inside the Boathouse – you can say your vows on the scenic beach that overlooks the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Mull of Kintyre, and head indoors for dancing, champagne-swigging, and a delicious post-wedding feast.
This venue, as well as the pretty isle itself, holds so much opportunity to take some seriously awe-inspiring photographs, and the Dougarie estate allows, when exclusively booked, for up to 35 wedding guests to stay. For other guests not looking to stay on the island, Glasgow is less than two hours away, which of course, offers plenty of accommodation options.
Riddle’s Court (Edinburgh)
- Maximum capacity: 60
Many of us who are bewitched by the idea of visiting Scotland, of course, have Edinburgh high up on our bucket lists. So for those seeking an intimate wedding venue location right in the heart of this magical city will adore Riddle’s Court.
Despite being situated in the city’s infamous Royal Mile, this location is something of a hidden gem, and is ideal for those wanting a smaller affair for their wedding, as it houses no more than 60 guests.
The venue is licensed to allow for wedding ceremonies, and offers spacious function rooms for tucking into a delicious wedding feast, as well as dancing the night away, of course.
Also, don’t be concerned that the capacity means your magical day will be a cramped affair – it won’t! This stunning location has romantic balconies (great for photo ops!), as well as suites and chambers to ensure a merry day.
Other perks include having entertainers, florists, and caterers on their books to tick off all the other ‘musts’ from your list.
Photography by Wildling Weddings at Leahi and Hamish’s Edinburgh City Chambers Wedding
Leuchie Walled Garden (North Berwick)
- Maximum capacity: 30
Those looking to keep their guestlist at 30 or under – as well as having a floral-filled rural dream for a location – will be well-suited to the delectable Leuchie Walled Garden.
Although the venue only caters to a small number of guests, the building is situated on 60 acres of scenic grounds, which makes it idyllic for those wishing to indulge in a summer wedding.
The venue offers an on-site wedding coordinator to take the stress and hassle out of planning your special day.
Oh, and we can’t believe we almost forgot the very best part… this venue even allows for you to include your four-legged friends to be a part of your big day. Where do we sign up?!
Alladale Wilderness Reserve (Dingwall)
- Maximum capacity: 20
Want to get married on a wilderness reserve for a seriously intimate and seriously rural wedding day?! Say no more.
Dingwall wedding venue Alladale Wilderness Reserve is located in the heart of the countryside and is overlooked by some of the Highland mountains. The venue also offers spectacular views of the Glen Mor and Glen Alladale, which will cater to some epic wedding photography.
Lovers of wildlife are also likely to view some of the country’s best-loved native animals including stags, golden eagles, pine martens, and even wildcats.
As for the venue itself, Alladale Wilderness Reserve holds a main lodge, a fully-equipped gym, sauna, kitchen (complete with a resident chef), and much more.
Cherrytrees (Kelso)
- Maximum capacity: 50
Last but not least, is the beautifully-named Cherrytrees, which can be found right on the English-Scottish border.
This venue offers a botanical outdoor wedding ceremony on the terrace, or, if the weather is a bit squiffy on the day, inside the magical conservatory.
We love this location because of its floral-filled gardens, which are like something out of a fairytale, and the venue owners even allow you to pick some of the seasonal flowers to make bouquets, centrepieces, and posies.
Other perks of this fanciful venue include a four-course meal or even afternoon tea on the lawn.
Small Wedding Venues in Scotland: FAQs
According to The Scotsman, (as of 2023) “a marriage ceremony [in Scotland] and all the trimmings will set you back £26,544”.
Of course this depends on your guest size, and various other factors.
Venues can range from £50 – £1000 (or more) depending on your seating needs, and other requirements from the location.
Typically, a “small” wedding has no more than 60 guests, tops. These are called “micro-weddings”, which are becoming very popular for those who prefer their special day to be intimate, and to accommodate their very nearest and dearest only.
Need a Hand?
If you’re planning your wedding (or engagement) in the magical country of Scotland and aren’t sure where to begin, we can help. At Wildling Weddings, we focus on helping you organise the perfect bespoke Scottish micro-wedding that is completely unique to you and your amazing partner. For more information, head here.
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